Daven POV

I count the people going to my sleepover. I counted Zana, Zara, Lafayette, Liam, Jacob, Mulligan, and Martin. Seven people are coming and six people are going home; Ted, Lucas, Mark, Carter, Jinx, Mat. Some told me that having a sleepover is too sudden and they should be told earlier. Others told me they had family members that need to be watched like Jinx. He has a lot of siblings to take care of...nine I believe.

The seven of us then all wave "Goodbye" to those who were going home.

I then call my mom to pick us up. After a short 5 minutes, we got picked up. I said to everyone that I'll drive everyone home to get their needs for the night, so we first went to Zana, Lafayette, and Zara's home.

We ended up in front of a mansion like mine. I stare at the mansion and watch Zana, Zara, and Lafayette, walk in. Once the door of the mansion closed, I immediately start to think.

I remember a certain phrase that Zana said when I met her on her second day.

I don't have any money.

She lives in a house that probably cost just as much as my house...and yet she doesn't have enough money for food. This could...explain everything. People may be hurting her...She seemed so scared when we took her phone. Why was the caller named...? I am not going to question the fact she calls... whoever this person is...that, but why she looked like she was fighting for her life when we checked the caller?

Thinking of my thoughts, I didn't realize the knocking on my window door. I look over to see Zana looking at me as Lafayette and Zara sigh in relief that they got my attention.

"Oh, my bad," I say quickly and unlocked the door to the car. They jump in, with luggage. I see Zana with a duffle bag, Zara with two large suitcases; surprise she can carry them both, and Lafayette with one small suitcase. We then went to Jacob, Liam, Mulligan, and Martin's houses before leaving to go to my house.

Once we arrived at my house, they were immediately amazed by the size. As they stare up at my house, I grin widely. Zana was amazed herself, but seem not to show it. I could tell, though, by the way, she explores the house with her eyes wide. I continue to grin widely and call out to everyone to grab their attention. They notice and made a small circle around me.

"Grab a buddy. We have room for everyone, but since I want you guys to get to know each other better, grab a roommate," I shout. We all look at each other and then I realize we have an extra girl and boy," There would be one lucky boy and girl for their own room." I said. They shrug and I giggle.

I see them all talking as I sat on the side watching until I notice Zara walking up to me. I smile at her as she seems to look...flustered.

"Umm...Can I be your buddy?" she asks, trying to avoid contact. I'm surprised and got lost in thought. I kept screaming in my head, happy and weirdly. I shook my head and look back up at her.

"Of course!" I say, thinking about how I said it. Did I say it too nice? Did I say it weirdly? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?

"Thanks," she murmurs and scurries back to Lafayette. He says something in French as he smirks. I believe they were up to something and was about to think about it until Liam and Jacob came up to me.

"We'll be partners," Jacob said. I agreed and led them into a room where their rooms were. Everyone else follows us.

"Ok, so that means that Zara will have a room to herself," I said smiling. She shrugs and thanks me. She took her suitcases and walks into her room. I walk back to be greeted by Martin.

"Can I have the free room?" Martin asks me, almost whispering. I didn't question it, though.

"Sure! Then that leaves Lafayette and-" I gasp at the thought. Martin winks and I fist bump him. I took him to his room and he starts to settle in. I walk back to the other three, " Ok that leaves Zara with me and Lafayette and Mulligan in one room!" I shout the last one louder. Lafayette and Mulligan look at each other and then shot their heads the other way, blushing. I giggle quietly and led them to there rooms.

"Okay, everyone! Settle in! We'll come out later on to do...whatever!" I yell. They yell back in agreement.

I lead Zana to my room. She settles her stuff in the corner as I plop down on my bead to think of my plan. I stare up at the ceiling with my legs swinging back and forward of the bed.

I knew that "whatever" activity will lead to many answers.

Zana POV

I watch as Daven swing her legs back and forward. It...was cute. Still, questioning these thoughts and feelings. I then decide to look around. She does do art which makes me feel comfortable since I do it too. Next to it was, of course, books. She had 2 shelves of...manga? I'm not sure if that is what you call it but they were all comics. I look at series neatly organized and read the titles; Naruto, One Piece, Attack on Titan, Black Butler, Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Akame Ga Kill, Kill la Kill, and Anime +.

I was about to read the first book of Anime+ until I saw the dirt on my hands. I look back at the clean books. I thought of not dirting them, so I left to go clean my hands. I found the restroom right away because of it being right next to Daven's room. I walk in to be greeted by an orange scent. I immediately saw the orange soap which explains the scent. I quickly wash my hands but during the process, I got water all over my shirt.

I went back into the room to see Daven in the same spot. She seemed to not notice me when I have left and came back. I am amazed by her focus but decide not to think too much about it. I went in my duffle bag to look for a long sleeve shirt.

Daven POV

I finish thinking about my plan. I smile at it because of it being good. It will explain everything.

I got up from my bed and saw Zana changing. She lifted her t-shirt off while I try not to scream. I resist the urge to scream when I saw the many scars lined on her back. It was all new, red and deep. I didn't like it, so I wanted to know if it was real. I went up to her without her noticing.

I slowly walk up to her and didn't see me crying. I touch her back slightly and she flinched. She quickly put the long, sleeve t-shirt on and looks at me with terrified eyes. I continue to cry and look back down to the ground.

"I'm so sorry! You weren't supposed to see that...," she said hugging her arms. That hit the spot right there. I look back up at her. I clench my fist and gritted my teeth.

"Excuse me? You look like you been through hell, been thrown out onto earth just to be hurt again by every single person around you! I see in your eyes that you've been hurt throughout your whole childhood! It has only been about one week and I can see the stiffness when you flinch, the pain in your eyes, and scars and hits you take without explaining why they are even there! You're hurt and when there are people around like me that want to help you, you sit there and think everything is fine when It. Is. NOT! And you are telling me sorry!?" I stop, but continue to sob, at a knock on the door. Before either of us could answer it everyone came in.

"Daven are you, okay?" Martin asks calmly. Martin, Mulligan, Lucas, and Jacob then see my state and ran to me. I'm embraced by them but I push them off. I stand my ground and look at all of them...I knew it.

"All of you! I am the only who knows that you're in pain! You all come to school thinking everything is fine when it is not! I don't care what bad past or secret you have I'll still be your friend," I yell, but then spoke in a softer voice afterward," I know when you are sad, I know when you are mad, I know when you are happy or...anything. You look at me for any pity in my eyes, but guess what? I won't say or do anything with you unless you explain to me why you're in so much pain and intend to hide it! I love you... all of you, but I can't see you like this!"

Zana POV

She pushes us all out and slams her door. We stand there in shock and hear the soft sounds of her crying. I walk downstairs and sit on the couch.

I no idea what to do...These people, from what Daven said, have bad past or secrets but seem...happy. How does she notice? What do I do? What if this is the last time I see her? From this moment I felt...a different mad and sad feeling. That mixed feeling came back as I stare at the ground.

I notice everyone else sits down and look completely out of it. I stare down at the floor with my hands on my head. Everyone stares at nowhere for a minute until a familiar voice spoke up.

"Now, that I speak English...a little, I know ever words she said," Lafayette says. We all look up at him and stare," I can't see her sad like this and... I'm sure you guys agree with me."

He gives us sad look and I... for once care. We all look at each other and nod for agreement. I knew I couldn't keep it in and if I want to remain here... I must try.

"We all take turns...I have a terrible childhood, so please just listen," I say blankly. I think my thoughts over and see if I really want to do this.

I look back up knowing that this is the moment where everything changes. Daven smile came to my mind, so I sat up straight and exhale.

"I was born with a great mother and... a father. We weren't rich but my mother will always find a way to get me everything. That was the only time I ever felt happy. I then reached 5 years old when everything went downhill. My father said we weren't good enough and left. Me and my mother grew poorer to the part where we couldn't even eat a full meal. 2 years then past and my mother and I were about there...to that point. We lie with each other in a bed and I remember that day when our father barged in when my mother was about to say "I love you"," I say, now sobbing," My father stabbed both me and my mother and luckily the cops were on my father, so he was sent to jail. Me and mother were sent to the hospital right away. I couldn't remember much, but when the doctor explained to me what happened...I broke. My mother begged him to give all her blood to me to save me. When I woke up, she d-died...She held my hand with her lucky hair tie, she wore every day and I've had worn it every day to remember her... and I will continue to" I cried so hard that it didn't last. Remembering all the times where I cried and now. Tears stains cover my face as I continued." I sent to live my remaining relatives; my grandmother and grandfather. They took me in and I lived there for 1 year until it happened again. Robbers robbed my home and burned it. I and my grandma lived, but they killed my grandfather. We were devastated and it causes my grandmother, shortly after, to suicide herself. I was then sent to many foster homes. They all treated me like garbage, so I either ran away or they were caught and sent away. Now I am living here, with another trash family that trap girls like me into their home. I was 13 when I joined 11 girls into that family. I will never forget every single one of them that push me to live. They tried their hardest to feed and teach me. Martha, the oldest out of all of us, died first. The boy of the family shot her and was never arrested...The remaining girls were hurt and I was beaten and I was whipped," I show them the scars on my back. Some gasps and others just stare."They were all there for me... and now they're gone. Some died of sickness and the others died of starvation...Now I question if I should forgive. Now that Master has been acting more differently and nicely. I see it and his wife and son are still animals. I just don't know...," I squeak out.

I was so broken that whatever happens, it might go downhill. I prepared for anything to happen. I wasn't ready for this though.

I greeted with an embrace from Martin and Mulligan. They were crying too. I stare at them confused, but then I don't want to question it. It was the best hug I ever had.

"Mon ami, I'm so sorry," Lafayette said softly until his rage broke," And now we are living in that house... I'm very sorry." His sister agreed and joining the embrace with Lafayette.

After a while of hugs, I felt...better. Martin sat next to me with Mulligan. They look at each other before speaking.

"We are also orphans," Martin said," I was born by a very poor family. We struggled to eat and be alive, but what made me happy at those time were....we weren't alone. Everyone we knew was homeless and poor but we stuck together like glue. We watched out for each other. But one day it got so bad to where the rich took over and killed so many. My family and I survived by moved father away, but to a bad land. Many bandits, robbers, murders, and...more... I wanted to help my family, so I...," he stops and more tears flow. Mulligan rubs his back which makes him calm down."I... sold my body... I made good money, but not enough to help my parents. They grew ill and I didn't have enough for medicine...Before I knew it, I've gone to far and many of them didn't even pay me. I was used until I met the nicest person you'll ever meet. Emma... she took me in along with other children she saved and came here. She took me to school, basketball, stores, and I can't thank her enough...," he says. He nods and looks at Mulligan.

He looks terrified of even speaking. He gulps and looks at everyone. He was a bit sweaty and his breath hitches ever time his thinks of something. He was so out of thought, he didn't speak for another 30 minutes.

He gulps again and looks at everyone. I saw him glance at Lafayette. He gulps and he starts to cry.

"Also...bare with me...please...," Mulligan says very softly, but loud enough for me to hear. "I'm...glad, you and Martin have wonderful parents...one of them nothing to me," he points out," I was born with a beautiful mother and father. Father was always out, so mom took care of me...She was also the nicest person you'll ever meet...," his smile turns into a frown. "Then it happened...father came home one night and abused me and my mother...she was always there to protect me. We found out he was cheating, drinking, taking drugs, and...other things I rather not mention...One day he hit me and my mother so hard that...we almost died. My mother suffered blood loss and I survived...I'm glad I do NOT live with him anymore, but those 11 years were...horrible, trash...I don't have any word to explain how bad it was...," Martin calms him down by rubbing his back. Mulligan gulps and continues. " He then brought women home and they all despised me. My father... continued to abuse, unfeed, and almost raped me," he said crying harder, " They called my mother...bad things that weren't even true...then my uncle saw me ...hehe...I wasn't always this...big...I was always skinny when I was little. My uncle stole me from my dad and call the police on him. He was sent away and my uncle gave every support to defend myself... I was way behind, but he trained me every day to become...well me," he hand motioning his body.

Everyone was crying...and so I'm I. I watch as the tears flow down to my hands. Every drop reminded me how bad a person I was. I look at everyone and see...I'm not the only one.

Mulligan POV

Everyone was crying. I didn't think I'd be crying in front of any of them soon. I watch as everyone just...sad...

I was amazed at Zana when she cried...She looked like she was ready to kill someone when she first looked at me, but now she is just like one of us...who don't understand what tears are anymore. She stares at her tears like she doesn't know what or where they came from.

I was hugging Martin before I'm embraced... by Lafayette. I flinch at the sudden movement, but he didn't let go, so I hug him back and cry on his shoulder. I look back at Martin being embraced by Zara. I slightly turn my head to see...Daven.

Daven POV

Oh...my...god...

Was all I could say...I knew it and they were brave enough to admit it. I hid on the stairway hearing their stories out. I saw Martin and Mulligan being embraced by Zara and Lafayette, so I went to Zara. I came up from behind and hug her. I felt her finch but hugged back. She then pulls off with teary, red eyes and just stares. I sit down next to her.

"I-I-I d-d-didn't-t kn-know w-w-w," Zana stutters badly. She went to my knees and cries. She didn't whimper, but her eyes flow of tears.

After another hour, we stop, Everyone was up except Zana. She fell asleep... I'm happy, though...it is the first time I have seen her looking peaceful.

"Hey, do you need me to carry her," Mulligan asks me.

"No need," I say.

Mulligan POV

She picks up Zana and walks off to her room. We sit there in surprise.

"How does she do that?" I mumble to myself.

"I have no idea Mon ami," Lafayette says. I was flustered at him hearing me.

"Well, we should probably go to bed, too," I say, looking down. He nods and we walk to our room. I said night to everyone including Daven from her room.

I change and brush my teeth before getting comfy in the bed Daven lent us. I stare up at the ceiling before feeling shuffling next to me. I turn to see...Lafayette...

"U-Ummm....L-Lafayette, w-w-what are y-y-you d-d-d-doing," I stuttered so badly. He shuffles next to me and stares.

"Mon ami, calm down," he says as he rubs my back, "My sister gets nightmares sometimes and when that happens I lie next to her and sing to her... I thought it might help..."

"O-Oh...um...alright," I said unsurely. She hugs me and pulls me to his chest. He then starts to sing a lullaby. I had no idea what he was saying, but... it was nice.

I drifted to sleep after a couple minutes of Laf's singing.

Daven POV.

I place Zara on to my bed and grab soft blankets. I was about to leave until firm grip grabbed my hand.

"Stay...please," Zana said I stare at her for a minute and didn't know what to do.

I told her to wait for a minute and ran out. I got ready and saw everyone else doing the same. I'm glad they thought the same thing. They said goodnight and I did too, I ran back to my room and saw Zana sleeping.

I sigh, but she ask. I guess it's the least I can do for today. I lie down next to her and watch the long breath she takes. It somehow made me fall asleep slowly.

Martin POV

I didn't fall asleep for another hour until 12 am. I sat up hearing a knock on my door.

"Who the h*ll is up at 12 in the morning," I mumble. I then take it back because I'm up. I open the door to see Zara...crying. Before I could say anything she hugs me.

"I'm sorry...if this is weird, but I had a nightmare and Lafayette might be sleeping and-," she said before I shush her. I sat down on the edge of my bed and pat the open spot next to me. She sits down and looks very tired.

"I always had this nightmare. Well...only since I was six actually. I had two brothers...Lafayette is now my only one...," she says looking down. I know how she feels.

"Sorry for your loss," I say. She gives me an annoyed face.

"Oh, h*ll to the no! Don't say sorry to me. I should be saying that to you," she says, staring at me like I'm an idiot. I giggle at her sassy attitude. It soon faded when I thought why...I am up.

"Me, too," I say lying down.

"What do you mean?" she asks me.

"I also am up, because of nightmares..."I say.

"Oh...how so?" she asks lying down with me. I give her a look before speaking.

"I'm not gonna lie...I remember every day of those people that...raped me..abused me... broken me...I just hope that no one else is out there that did what I did...I have been through all of that and I know it is hard...but...how dumb was I not to see it..."I say crying.

She notices and hugs me. I hug back and quietly cry in her arms. I didn't notice how long it has been and I my eyelids got heavier. I look up to see Zana sleeping. I smile and fell asleep...feeling safe for once.

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